Method and apparatus for securing a shopping cart

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for securing a wheeled device such as a shopping cart is disclosed. In one embodiment, the securing structure comprises a depression formed in a support surface, such as a concrete or asphalt parking lot. The depression is configured to accept one or more wheels of a wheeled cart therein for restraining the cart. An advertising platform is located in the depression. The advertising platform bears advertising or other information. Another embodiment of the invention is an advertising platform for use with a cart securing structure which is mounted to a support surface. The platform may span the space between two securing structures, the platform having a top surface configured to bear advertising or other information.

PRIOR APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/699,580 filed Oct. 31, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/133,209 filed Apr. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.6,648,103, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/809,119 filed Mar. 14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,331, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/396,658 filed Sep.15, 1999, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing awheeled device, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus forsecuring a shopping cart.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When shopping at a retail establishment, a customer often wishes toobtain or purchase a number of goods. The customer may not be able tocarry all of the goods to the check-out area or to their car. In orderto alleviate this problem, many retail establishments provide shoppingbaskets or carts. A problem with baskets is that the customer still mustcarry the basket while shopping. If the customer shops for a long periodof time or if a number of goods are purchased, the customer may find ituncomfortable if not impossible to carry the basket and goods.

Wheeled shopping carts provide a storage area for the goods a customerwishes to purchase and makes it easy for the customer to transport thegoods. A customer pushes the cart about the establishment, placing goodsin the cart along the way. Ultimately, the customer pushes the cartplacing goods in the cart along the way. Ultimately, the customer pushesthe cart to a check-out or purchase point. Once the goods have been paidfor, the customer normally still needs a convenient means to transportthe goods from the establishment, such as to their car or home.

The parking areas of many establishments are often quite large and thedistance from the check-out area of the establishment to a customer'scar may be quite far. Usually, the retail establishment permits thecustomer to utilize the cart for this purpose. After purchasing theirgoods, customers may push the loaded cart from the establishment over aparking area to their car. The customer then unloads the goods from thecart.

A problem now arises in that the cart is located outside of theestablishment. Most customers are unwilling to push the now empty cartback into the retail establishment, and thus the cart is left in theparking area. Because the cart is wheeled, once left unattended the cartmay roll about the parking lot. Wind and gravity may cause the cart toroll at various speeds and in a variety of directions.

The unattended or “runaway” cart as such carts are often referred to mayroll away and be lost by the retail establishment, at great cost to theestablishment. Moreover, the carts may cause injury and damage. Forexample, the cart may roll into a vehicle parked in the parking lot anddamage it. The carts may also roll into moving traffic or intopedestrians, also causing damage and injury. Because of the rather highincidence of damage caused by unattended carts, but not wishing to takeaway the convenience of providing the carts to customers, manyestablishments post signs warning that damage from run-away andunattended carts may cause damage and stating that the establishment isnot responsible for damage thereby. Nonetheless, retailers often havemany claims filed against them every year arising from runaway cartdamage and injury.

As one attempt to alleviate the above-stated problems, someestablishments have created cart return areas in their parking areas.These areas generally comprise an area closed on two or more sides byfence-like structures. It is intended that once a customer is done usinga cart, the customer will roll the cart to one of the semi-enclosed cartreturn areas.

There are several problems with this attempted solution. The apparatuscomprising the cart return normally comprises a tubular aluminum orother metal structure. The structure may be quite large and relativelyexpensive. The cart return areas normally consume several parking spacesin the parking area. Because of the size and cost, an establishment mayonly provide one or two cart returns in their parking area.

Because of the limited number of cart returns and the likelihood that acart return may still be a significant distance from a customer's car,many customers still do not return their carts. In addition, theconfiguration of the cart return does not ensure that those carts whichare returned are secured. The semi-enclosed nature of the return permitscustomers to push the carts into the return area. The carts aregenerally secured by being prevented from rolling away by engaging aportion (such as a long horizontal rail) of the cart return structure.Because one or more portions of the cart return are open and the wheelsof the returned carts are not engaged, one or more carts may still rollout of the cart return area and into the main area of the parking lot.

Some security devices have been proposed to prevent customers fromremoving carts from the area of an establishment. Some of these devicesare arranged to lock one or more wheels of the cart. Such devices areintended to prevent the theft or negligent removal of carts and are notuseful in solving the above-stated problem. First, these devicesgenerally are arranged to “trigger” when the cart reaches an outerperimeter beyond which the customer is not permitted to travel with thecart. It is not feasible to arrange such a device to trigger once a cartis left unattended at any particular point in a parking lot to preventthe cart from rolling away once unattended. Once the lock is triggered,store/owner personnel must reset the lock in order for the cart to beuseful. It is also not feasible to have an arrangement where once a cartis left unattended, such as in a parking lot after use, a lock istriggered which must be reset in order for the cart to be reused. Thisarrangement would cause substantial time and money loss in resetting thelocks.

A method and apparatus for securing a cart which overcomes theabove-stated problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method and apparatus for securing a shoppingor similar wheeled cart

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention there is provided acart securing structure for securing a cart having at least one wheel.The cart securing structure comprises a body having a bottom surface forengaging a support surface and a top surface defining at least one firststop having a first face and a second face. The first face slopesupwardly from the bottom surface towards the rear face and defines aleading edge positioned near the support surface. The stop includes anapex provided between the first and second faces, the second facesloping downwardly from the apex. At least one securing element isprovided for securing the cart securing structure to a support surface.

In a method of use, one or more wheels of a cart are rolled upwardlyalong the sloping first face of the stop. The one or more wheels arerolled over the apex and into engagement with the second face,preventing the cart from rolling away once unattended.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the cart securingstructure includes a first stop and a second stop having a troughpositioned therebetween for accepting at least one wheel of the cartbetween the first and second stop. The first stop has a first facesloping upwardly from the bottom surface over which a wheel of the cartmay be rolled and a second face sloping downwardly towards the troughfor engaging the wheel of the cart to prevent the cart from rollingaway. The second stop has a first surface sloping upwardly from thetrough for engaging a wheel of the cart to prevent the cart from rollingaway.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, the cartsecuring structure includes a cover associated with the front face of afirst stop. The cart securing structure may also include side membersand/or upwardly extending markers.

One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method of securing acart securing structure of the invention to a support surface. In onemethod, the method comprises bolting the structure to the supportsurface. The structure may include one or more bores through which afastener may pass for this purpose. In another method, the structure issecured to the support surface with adhesive. The structure may includeone or more outwardly extending pins for orienting the structure.

In another embodiment of the invention, the cart securing structureincludes a pair of stops which define an intermediate trough. Both stopshave a front face or surface over which the wheels of a cart may berolled into the trough. In one embodiment, the stops are generallysymmetrical to one another, and have front and rear faces with generallythe same slope, permitting a user to engage a cart with the structurefrom two sides.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cart securing structureserves as an advertising platform. In one embodiment, the front face ofat least one of the stops includes a recessed area for accepting anadvertising placard or the like. In another embodiment, the cartsecuring structure includes a display system. The display systemincludes at least one active display such as an LCD. In one embodiment,the display system also includes a control system including acontroller, photocell, motion detector, power source and atransmitter/receiver. Data, such as advertising information, may betransmitted from a remote base to the cart securing structure via thetransmitter/receiver, with the controller causing the display to displaythe information.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the cart securing structurecomprises a depression formed in a support surface, such as a concreteor asphalt parking lot. The depression has a bottom surface. Preferably,at least one edge of the bottom surface of the depression is at the sameelevation as the support surface. At least a portion of the bottomsurface is positioned below the support surface. The depression isconfigured to accept one or more wheels of a wheeled cart therein forrestraining the cart.

Preferably, an advertising platform is located in the depression. Theadvertising platform bears advertising or other information, such asinformation printed on a sticker or label attached to thereto.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises an advertising platformfor use with a cart securing structure of the invention. In oneembodiment, the advertising platform is configured to be mounted betweena pair of cart securing structures. The platform spans the space betweenthe two structures, and includes a top surface. The top surface ispreferably generally planar. Information, such as advertising, ispreferably displayed by the top surface, such as by a sticker applied tothe top surface.

In one embodiment, the advertising platform is used with a pair ofcart-securing structures having a trough located between a first and asecond stop. A portion of the platform engages, such as by overlapping,the second stop of each securing structure, so that the platform iseffectively connected to both of the cart securing structures.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shopping cart dock in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the shopping cart dockillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shopping cart dock illustrated inFIG. 1 with a face cover thereof removed;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5( a) illustrates an anchor useful in mounting the shopping cartdock illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5( b) illustrates a bolt useful with the anchor illustrated in FIG.5( a) in mounting the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shopping cart dock in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9( a) illustrates an anchor useful in mounting the shopping cartdock illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9( b) illustrates a bolt useful with the anchor illustrated in FIG.9( a) in mounting the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shopping cart dock in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the shopping cart dock illustrated in FIG.10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment cart dock inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the cart dock illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cart dock inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cart dockin accordance with the invention, the cart dock including an activedisplay;

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of a display systemincluding the display of the cart dock illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 illustrates yet another embodiment cart dock in accordance withthe invention, the cart dock including a depression in a supportsurface;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an advertising platform utilized with apair of cart docks in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the advertising platform andcart docks illustrated in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus and method for securing a wheeleddevice such as a shopping cart. In the following description, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a more thoroughdescription of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known featureshave not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

In general, the apparatus of the invention comprises a cart dock and amethod of use which are particularly adapted to securing a wheeled cart.The term “cart securing structure” is also used herein to refer the cartdock apparatus.

The carts which may be secured using the apparatus of the invention arewell known. In general, carts known as “shopping carts” found atgroceries and similar retailers comprise a frame structure supporting abasket in which goods may be placed. The frame is generally constructedof metal, while the basket may be constructed of metal or plastic. Theframe structure is rollably supported by four (4) wheels 41 (one ofwhich is illustrated in FIG. 2). The four wheels are arranged with two(2) wheels provided at a front portion of the cart and two (2) wheelsprovided at a rear portion of the cart. The front wheels are generallypivotally mounted for steering the cart. The front wheels are generallyspaced about 8–11 inches apart, while the rear wheels are generallyspaced about 18–21 inches apart. Each wheel generally comprises a rubbertire mounted on a metal hub, the overall diameter of each wheelgenerally being about 5 inches. Generally, the front wheels are locatedalong a common axis, as are the rear wheels.

Of course, the particular dimensions of the carts and the arrangementsmay vary. For example, as described below, the apparatus of the presentinvention is useful with flat-bed and other carts. Such carts arecommonly found at lumber yards and the like. These carts may have frontand rear wheels separated by a much larger distance than theabove-described carts. The wheels of these carts may also be larger.These carts may include additional front and/or rear wheels (such asthree front wheels) or even additional wheels at other locations.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a cart dock 20 of theinvention comprises a body having a bottom surface 22 (see FIG. 4) and atop surface 24. The body includes a first stop 26 and a second stop 28spaced from one another. The first stop 26 has a first or front face orsurface 30 and a second or rear face or surface 32. The second stop 28has a first or front face or surface 34 and a second or rear face orsurface 36. The front face 34 of the second stop 28 faces the rear face32 of the first stop 26.

The front face 30 of the first stop 26 comprises a surface which slopesand/or angles upwardly from the bottom surface 22. The intersection ofthe bottom surface 22 with the front face 30 of the first stop 26defines a leading edge 38. Preferably, the leading edge 38 is positionednear a support surface when the cart dock 20 is mounted for use. Thefront face 30 is sloped rearwardly towards the second stop 28 foraccommodating the rolling of a shopping cart wheel 41 upwardly the frontface 30. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, the front face 30 iscurved.

The first stop 26 has an apex 40 formed between the front face 30 andrear face 32. The apex 40 is preferably somewhat rounded to facilitatethe rolling of a wheel 41 of a shopping cart thereover.

The rear face 32 is positioned generally opposite the front face 30 andslopes downwardly from the apex 40. The slope and shape of the rear face32 is selected to make difficult the passage of a wheel 41 of a shoppingcart in the direction towards the front face 30. In other words, thefirst stop 26 is configured to easily permit a wheel 41 of a shoppingcart to be rolled over the front face 30 towards the rear face 32, butto generally prevent movement of the wheels in the reverse direction. Inthis regard, in the arrangement illustrated, the rear face 32 of thefirst stop 26 is somewhat concave, defining a recessed area 42 foraccepting a portion of a wheel 41 of a shopping cart. In the arrangementillustrated, it is desirable for the front face 30 to have a slope whichis less than the slope of the rear face 32 (ex. average front face slope60 degrees and average rear face slope of 80 degrees).

The front face 34 of the second stop 28 is also arranged to madedifficult the rolling of a wheel 41 of a shopping cart thereover. Inthis regard, the front face 34 rises upwardly and has a slope and shapesomewhat similar to the rear face 32 of the first stop 26.

The second stop 28 has an apex 44 formed between the front face 34 andrear face 36. The apex 44 is preferably somewhat rounded to facilitatethe rolling of a wheel 41 of a shopping cart thereover.

The rear face 36 of the second stop 28 is generally located opposite thefirst face 34 and slopes downwardly from the apex 44. In the embodimentillustrated, the rear face 36 comprises a generally vertically extendingwall. The rear face 36 may be sloped at other than a ninety (90) degreeangle. In general, it is preferable for the rear face 36 to have a shapewhich deters a user from rolling a wheel 41 of a shopping cart thereoverin the direction of the first stop 26. When the rear face 36 isgenerally vertical, this is effectuated.

A trough 46 is defined between the first stop 26 and the second stop 28.In the area of the trough 46, the top surface 24 of the dock 20 iscloser to the bottom surface 22 than the apex 40 of the first stop 26and the apex 44 of the second stop 28. The trough 46 preferably has awidth or distance between the front face 34 of the second stop 28 andthe rear face 32 of the first stop 26 to permit placement of a wheel 41of a shopping cart therein.

In the embodiment illustrated, the body has to opposing ends 47 a,b andboth stops 26,28 and the trough 46 extend the length of the body fromend 47 a to end 47 b. This arrangement is desirable since it permits auser to push a cart into engagement with the dock 20 at any point alongthe dock 20.

In one or more embodiments, where the wheel 41 of the shopping cart withwhich the dock 20 is to be used is approximately five (5) inches indiameter, the dock 20 has the following dimensions: height of the apex40 from the bottom surface 22, approximately three (3) inches; height ofthe apex 44 from the bottom surface 22, approximately one and one-half(1.5) inches; and the distance between the first and second stops 26,28approximately eight (8) inches.

Preferably the width of the dock 20 from end 47 a to end 47 b issufficient to accommodate both the front and/or back wheels 41 of ashopping cart. For example, in the case where the front wheels of ashopping cart are spaced by about 8–11 inches, then the width of thedock 20 may be about twenty (20) inches. Such a width is common forshopping carts provided at grocery stores. In the case where the frontwheels of a shopping cart are spaced by a greater distance, the width ofthe dock 20 may be about thirty (30) inches. The greater width dock 20may be advantageous in accommodating flat-bed and similar high capacitycarts provided at some establishments, such as lumber yards.

One or more mounting elements are provided for securing the cart dock 20to a mounting or support surface. The support surface may comprise anasphalt or cement parking lot or any of a variety of other surfaceswhere a cart is used and where it is desirable to secure the cart.

Referring to FIGS. 5( a) and (b), when the cart dock 20 is to be securedto a paved or other hard surface (such as concrete, rock, asphalt, tileor the like), the mounting elements may comprise anchors 50 and bolts52. The anchors 50 are placed in bores in the support surface. The bolts52 then engage one or more portions of the dock 20 and an anchor 50,securing the dock 20 to the support surface.

In the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1–4, the cart dock 20 has nine(9) bores provided therein through which a bolt 52 or similar threadedfastener may extend. Three (3) bores 54 a are provided in spacedrelation through the trough 46 portion of the dock 20 near the secondstop 28. Three (3) bores 54 b are provided in recessed areas 57 providedin the front face 30 of the first stop 26. Three (3) bores 54 c areprovided in association with key-ways 56 provided in the bottom surface22 of the dock 20 generally beneath the first stop 26.

The bores 54 a provided in the trough 46 portion are generallycylindrical for passage of a bolt 52 therethrough. The recessed areas 57comprise narrow openings having a generally flat surface through whichthe bores 54 b extend. Each bore 54 c is associated with a key-way 56having an adjoining narrow slot.

The cart dock 20 may be constructed in a variety of manners and from avariety of materials. Preferably, the dock 20 is constructed of adurable, weather-resistant material and a material which has a “memory”in that it retains it shape. Because of the use environment of the dock20, the dock 20 may be driven upon by vehicles. It is desirable for thedock 20 to be flexible enough to yield and both not break or causedamage to a vehicle, and at the same time return to its original shapeto function effectively. In one or more embodiments, the dock 20 may beinjection molded of a polypropylene or similar material.

If the dock 20 is injection molded, the dock 20 may be made hollow toreduce its weight and cost. In such event, one or more ribs orreinforcing structure may be provided (such as inside the hollow areasof the dock 20) for strengthening it.

To make the dock 20 readily visible at night, the dock 20 may be made toreflect and/or transmit light. In one arrangement, a reflective and/orlight emitting material, such as a coating, may be provided on the dock20. In another arrangement, the material may be added to or comprise apart of the material which forms the dock 20 (i.e. such as added intoplastic when molded). The dock 20 may be made in a variety of colors.

In one or more embodiments, the cart dock 20 includes a face cover 48,as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cover 48 is associated with thefront face 30 of the first stop 26. In one embodiment, the cover 48comprises a relatively flexible synthetic material which isapproximately the same size and shape as the front face 30 of the firststop 26 (i.e. in this case, curved). As illustrated, the cover 48 may beremovably mounted to the dock 20 with a tab which engages a small groovein the front face 30 of the first stop 26. The cover 48 may be removableattachable with hook and loop type fasteners, snaps, or other means wellknown to those of skill in the art.

In one or more arrangements, the front face 30 may have an inset ordepressed area for accepting the cover 48. This arrangement has theadvantage of inlaying or insetting the cover 48 into the surface 30 in amanner which aids in protecting the cover 48 (such as by preventing thecover 48 from being caught in the wheels 41 of a cart).

In one embodiment, the cover 48 comprises a generally transparentmaterial having a reflective or light transmitting material associatedtherewith (one such material is known as “day-glow”). In this manner,the cover 48 is illuminated at night or reflects light when a headlightof an automobile shines thereon, making the dock 20 readily visible. Thecover 48 may also have printing thereon. The printing may compriseadvertising or instructions. Because the cover 48 is removable, newadvertising or announcements may be provided on the dock 20 at varioustime intervals.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided amethod of mounting the cart dock 20. In accordance with the method,bores are provided in the support surface. The bores may be drilled ormay be provided when the surface is constructed (such as when pouringconcrete). An anchor 50 is provided in each bore. A bolt 52 is connectedto each anchor 50 associated with the three bores 54 c. The dock 20 isplaced on the surface with these three bolts 52 extending through thebores 54 c of the key-way 56. The dock 20 is then moved horizontally,sliding the bolts 52 along the slot portion of the key-ways 56 so thatthese three bolts 52 engage the slots of the key ways 56. Bolts 52 arethen passed through the bores 54 a, 54 b (from the top side of the cartdock 20) into the associated anchors 50. There may be a greater orlesser number of fasteners used to secure the cart dock 20.

In one or more embodiments, a cart dock 20 is provided in associationwith individual parking stalls of a parking lot. For example, the dock20 may be secured to the support surface at a front corner of eachmarked parking stall.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided amethod of using the cart dock 20. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, when auser/customer has completed using a cart, the user pushes the cart tothe dock 20 (such as at the front of their car at the front of theparking stall). The user pushes the front wheels 41 of the cart up thefront face 30 of the first stop 26. The wheels 41 roll over the apex 40and into the trough 46 between the first and second stops 26,28. At thistime, the cart is secured and the customer need not attend to the cartfurther. The front wheels 41 of the cart are secured between the firstand second stops 26,28.

Referring to FIG. 3, in one or more embodiments, the dock 20 may includeside members 58. The side members 58 may comprise thin plate-likemembers which are attached to each end 47 a, 47 b of the dock 20. Theside members 58 may be removable attachable, such as with snaps, screwsor other means well known to those of skill in the art. The dock 20 mayalso be constructed with the side members 58 as integral (such as duringa molding process). In general, the side members 58 are arranged toprevent the wheels 41 of a cart from rolling out of the trough 46 alongits length (i.e. at ends 47 a, 47 b). The side members 58 may beespecially useful when a dock 20 is used on a support surface which issloped in a direction parallel to a length of the dock 20 from end 47 ato end 47 b.

As also illustrated in FIG. 3, in one or more embodiments, the dock 20may include one or more upwardly extending markers 60. Each marker 60may comprise a flexible plastic, fiberglass or similar pole. Each marker60 may be constructed of a variety of materials and be of a variety ofsizes. Each marker 60 may be arranged to be press fit into a boreprovided in the top surface 24 of the dock 20. The markers 60 may beuseful in identifying the location of the cart dock 20, such as when alayer of snow covers the cart dock. To make the markers 60 more visible,they may be constructed from or have a reflective material associatedtherewith.

The dock 20 may have other dimensions and shapes than described above.For example, if being used with carts having bigger diameter wheels,first and second stops 26,28 may be taller. When the dock 20 has sides,the dock 20 may be molded, generally having a block-like form with aslanted or sloped front surface leading to a top surface having a troughformed therein. The trough may be positioned between (i.e. not extendingthe full length between) opposing ends 47 a,b of the dock 20, therebyforming an enclosed area for retaining the wheels 41 of the cart.

The means for securing the cart dock 20 to a support surface maycomprise other than the anchors 50 and bolts 52. For example, otherthreaded fasteners such as screws (such as when the dock 20 is beingsecured to a wooden support surface) may be used. The cart dock 20 maybe staked to the support surface. One or more spikes or similar elementsmay be arranged to protrude from the bottom surface 22 of the dock 20and be driven into the support surface.

As described in detail below with reference to the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIGS. 10–12, the cart dock 20 may be glued orotherwise adhered to the surface. In this arrangement, no bores need tobe provided through the body of the cart dock 20 for the fasteners.

If sufficiently weighted, the cart dock 20 may be secured to the supportsurface with gravity. For example, the cart dock 20 may be filled withwater. To improve the adherence of the cart dock 20 to the supportsurface, the bottom surface 22 may be specially configured. For example,the bottom surface 22 may have ridges or another high-frictionconfiguration.

The dock 20 as described above has many advantages. The cart dock 20 iseffective in retaining an unattended shopping cart in a fixed position.Unlike cart “corrals,” the wheels of the cart are engaged and preventthe cart from rolling away. Unlike wheel locks, the cart is simplyunsecured by rolling its wheels out of engagement with the cart dock 20.

Because of its size and configuration, a cart dock 20 can be associatedwith many, if not every, parking space of a parking lot (i.e. such as afront left or right corner of each marked parking spot). In this manner,a cart dock 20 is conveniently provided next to every cart user's cart.This increases the likelihood that a cart user will return the cart tothe cart dock 20 and render it secure. Numerous cart docks 20 can beprovided at less cost than a single cart “corral” of the prior art.

Cart docks 20 can be placed in alignment at the front corner of eachparking spot and in such a manner constitute visual “dividers” for thelot. This makes it easier for a customer to navigate the parking lot andmay reduce the possibility of customers driving randomly through parkinglots and causing accidents with vehicles operated within the markedlanes. As may be appreciated, many drivers do not follow parking lotpainted markings. However, such drivers may be less inclined to crossthe painted markings and drive randomly if such also causes them to haveto drive over one or more cart docks 20.

Because of the ease of using the cart dock 20, damage and injury causedby runaway unattended carts may be reduced. The reduced financial lossesassociated with lost carts and other damage and injury is beneficial tothe establishment and may even pay for the cart docks 20.

The embodiment of the cart dock 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 where thetrough 46 extends from end 47 a to end 47 b has the advantage that waterand other material and debris is not retained or trapped in the dock 20.As may be appreciated, this is advantageous since it is undesirable forthe cart wheels to be placed into standing water and the like. Further,the water could become stagnant and contaminated. In the arrangement ofthe invention where the trough 46 does not extend from end to end 47 a,47 b or side members 58 are provided, it is desirable to provide one ormore drains or outlets through which water and other material may berouted away from the dock 20.

As illustrated, the stops 26,28 and trough 46 are longitudinallyextending from end to end 47 a,47 b of the dock 20. The stops 26,28 andtrough 46 generally define planar, solid uninterrupted surfaces forcontacting the wheels 41 of a cart (preferably, the recessed areas 57are narrower than the width of the wheel of a cart). The elongate natureof the stops 26,28 and trough 46, as stated above, makes it easy for theuser to dock a cart, since the user does not have to “line-up” the wheelof the cart with a specific area of the dock 20. The user may roll acart into engagement with the dock 20 anywhere along its length. Infact, a user may secure a cart by engaging just one (1) of the wheels ofa cart.

A user can secure a cart by engaging the rear wheel(s) of the cartinstead of the front wheel(s). Further, though not desirable (since thecart may then protrude into a portion of an adjoining parking space orthe like) a user may secure a cart by rolling the wheel(s) 41 of a cartover the second stop 28 and into engagement with the trough 46.

Referring to FIG. 6, a dock 120 in accordance with a second embodimentof the invention will be described. In accordance with this embodiment,the dock 120 has a single stop 126. The stop 126 has a front face 130and a rear face 132. The single stop 126 is preferably shaped similar tothe first stop 26 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The frontface 130 is sloped and arranged to permit the wheel(s) of a cart to berolled thereover. The rear face 132 is arranged to engage the wheel of acart to prevent it from rolling.

In this embodiment, the dock 120 includes two rows of bores 154 b,154 cfor mounting the dock 120 to a support surface with anchors 150 andbolts 154. The dock 120 also includes a removable cover 148.

The cart dock 120 of this embodiment of the invention may be similarlysized as the cart dock 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The cart dock 120 mayalso be mounted to a support surface in a variety of configurations andbe configured and constructed from and in the variety of mannersdescribed with respect to the cart dock 20. The cart dock 120 mayinclude side members and/or markers as described above, as well as afront cover 148.

In a method of use of this embodiment cart dock 120, a user rolls one ormore wheels of a cart upwardly along the front face 130 of the stop 126.The user rolls the one or more wheels over the apex 140 and permits theone or more wheels to engage the rear face 132 of the stop 126. Onceengaged, the cart is secured.

As may be appreciated, when a cart is to be secured on a very slopedsurface, use of the cart dock 20 is most effective in securing the cartsince the one or more wheels of the cart are prevented from rolling inboth the forward and reverse directions. If the cart dock 20 is used ona sloping surface, it is desirable to secure the cart dock 20 so thatthe rear face 132 of the stop 126 faces up the slope, and so gravitytends to pull the wheels of the cart into engagement with the rear face132 of the stop 126.

This embodiment of the cart dock 120 may be less expensive and complexto manufacture. Because of its reduced size and weight, this embodimentdock 120 may also be less expensive to ship.

Another embodiment of a cart dock 220 in accordance with the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 10–12. This embodiment cart dock 220is similar in many respects to the cart dock 20 in overall configurationand method of use.

The cart dock 220 includes a body having a bottom surface 222, topsurface 224, first stop 226 and second stop 228. In this embodiment ofthe invention, a first or front surface 230 of the first stop 226comprises a surface having a fixed, single slope (i.e. not curved, butflat angled). The second or rear surface 232 of the first stop 226comprises a generally vertically extending ledge. Similarly, the frontor first surface 234 of the second stop 228 comprises a generallyvertically extending ledge or wall.

The cart dock 220 includes means for securing the body to a supportsurface. In this embodiment, the means comprises one or more pins 260which extend from the bottom surface of the body. As illustrated, thereare four pins 260, one pin each provided at a corner of the body. Eachpin 260 is preferably tapered and extends about one-half to three (0.5to 3) or more inches outwardly from the body.

Preferably, this embodiment cart dock 220 is secured to a supportsurface with an adhesive. When the cart dock 220 is to be secured to aconcrete, asphalt or similar surface, the adhesive may comprise ahot-set latex/asphalt type adhesive. Of course, other adhesive materialsmay be used, including glues and the like. It is also possible to securethis embodiment cart dock 220 to a surface with other than adhesive,such as described above.

In order to improve the adherence of the cart dock 220 to the supportsurface, the bottom surface 222 includes a number of ribs 262. The ribs262 may comprise elements which provide reinforcement for the body whenthe body is molded and partially hollow. The spaced arrangement of theribs 262 creates recessed areas therebetween in which adhesive may flow,providing better adhesion of the dock 220. In the area of the trough246, the ribs 262 preferably extend outwardly sufficient to createrecessed areas.

The bottom surface 222 may include one or more pads 266 for providingsolid support for the body. As illustrated, the flat pads 266 areprovided adjacent the pins 260 and in one or more areas between thepins.

It will be appreciated that the cart dock 120 may be similarlyconfigured to the cart dock 220, such as by having a generally planarsloping front face, one or more pins extending outwardly for use insecuring the dock 120 or the like.

In a method of securing this embodiment cart dock 220, bores arepreferably provided in the support surface, the bores sized to acceptthe pins 260. The bores may be provided with a drill or the like using atemplate of the pin positions. The adhesive may then be placed on thesupport surface and the bottom surface 222 of the body. The pins 260 ofthe cart dock 220 are then inserted into the bores, properly positioningthe cart dock 220 in the desired location and adhering it to the supportsurface.

In accordance with this method of securing the dock 220 and itsconfiguration, no recesses (for providing access to fastener insertionholes) need to be provided in the front face of the first stop 226. Thismakes construction of the dock 220 simpler and renders the front face amore contiguous surface over which cart wheels may be rolled.

In order to reduce the space occupied by multiple units of the cart dock220 when being shipped and/or stored, one or more bores 264 may beprovided in or through the top surface 224 of the cart dock 220 formating engagement with the pins 260 of an adjacent cart dock 220. Thebores 264 are preferably arranged to accept the pins 260 of a cart dock220 which is positioned thereabove. In this manner, the cart docks 220may be stacked vertically in a manner which reduces the total verticalstacking height. In order to prevent water from filling the bores 264,one or more drain holes, slots or the like may be provided through thepins 260.

The stacking bores 264 may be arranged to accept a marker (see FIG. 2).The depth and size of the bores 264 may vary dependent upon the desiredstacking heights, sizes of the pins 260 and markers and other factorswhich will be appreciated to those of skill in the art.

An advantage of this embodiment cart dock 220 is that a flat face cover(not shown, but similar to cover 48 illustrated in FIG. 1) may beprovided for positioning on the front face 230 of the first stop 226. Asillustrated, small bores 268 may be provided for accepting pins or otherprotrusions (not shown) of the cover. This permits covers to beselectively attached and removed. Because the cover may be constructedflat, its manufacture may be simplified, as may be printing on it.

Another embodiment of a cart dock 320 in accordance with the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. This embodiment cart dock320 has many similar features to the cart docks described above, andsome additional features. The cart dock 320 again comprises a body whichincludes or defines spaced first and second stops 326,328. As in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the first stop 326 defines a frontface 330 and a rear face 332. As best illustrated in FIG. 14, in thisembodiment the front and rear faces 330,332 are both generally planarand slope at generally the same angle with respect to horizontal.

The front face 330 slopes upwardly from a leading edge 338 to an apex340. The rear face 332 slopes downwardly from the apex 340 to a trough346. The trough 346 is again located between the first and second stops326,328.

In this embodiment, a portion of the trough 346 comprises avoid oraperture between the first and second stops 326,328 in the dock 320. Theaperture extends entirely through the dock 320 from the top surfacethrough to the bottom surface. When placed on a support surface, a lowersurface of this portion of the trough 346 is actually defined by asupport surface on which the dock 320 is positioned rather than asurface of the dock 320 itself.

As illustrated, first and second sidewalls 358 a,358 b extend betweenthe first stop 326 and the second stop 328. As detailed below, the sidewalls 358 a,b have a variety of functions, including connecting theportions of the body defining the first and second stops 326,328. Thesidewalls 358 a,b each extend upwardly generally vertically.

As illustrated, the second stop 328 has a front face 334 and a rear face336. In one or more embodiments, the front and rear faces 334,336 aregenerally vertically extending surfaces. In one embodiment, the heightof the apex 340 of the first stop 326 and the height of the second stop328 are about 1.6 inches. Of course, the height of the stops 326,328 mayvary dependent upon the application (including the size of the wheels ofthe cart to be retained).

In one embodiment, one or more cut-outs or recesses 359 are provided ina lower or bottom surface 322 of the dock 320. These cut-outs 359 definepassageways under the dock 320 allowing water and other material to flowbetween a support surface and the dock 320. As illustrated, one or morecut-outs 359 may extend under the sidewalls 358 a,b thus defining apathway from the open interior of the trough 346 to the exterior of thedock 320. As also illustrated, one or more cut-outs 359 may extendlongitudinally under the first stop 326 from end-to-end. Cut-outs 359may also be provided which extend under the first and second stops326,328 from the aperture to a point exterior to the dock 320.

In similar fashion to the cart dock 220 illustrated in FIG. 10, the cartdock 320 includes one or more pins or spikes 360 for use in securing thedock 320 to a support surface. Of course, other means of attaching orsecuring the dock 220 to a support surface may be provided.

In one embodiment, a recessed area 331 is provided in the front face 330of the first stop 326. The recessed area 331 comprises a slightlydepressed area. In one embodiment, the recessed area 331 is generallyrectangular in shape similar to the front face 330, but is slightlysmaller in dimension. The recessed area 331 is adapted to receive aplacard, sign or the like therein. It is desirable that the placard orthe like have a thickness about the same as the depth of the recessedarea 331, such that when the placard is placed therein, the front face330 including the placard is generally smooth and contiguous. Asdescribed above, such a placard may be of a variety of types, andinclude advertising or other messages, business or product logos,information, artwork and the like. As illustrated, the cart dock 20 isarranged to receive placards in a removable fashion, permitting theirreplacement or exchange.

Use of the cart dock 320 is similar to the use of the cart dock 20illustrated in FIG. 1. One particular advantage of the cart dock 320 ofthis embodiment relates to the construction of the trough 346. Becausethe trough 346 in part is defined by a void in the dock 320, the amountof material necessary to construct the cart dock 320 is reduced. Thisreduces the cost of manufacture and shipping of the dock 320. At thesame time, the effectiveness of the dock 320 in retaining a cart is notreduced.

Another advantage of the cart dock 320 is that water, oil and the likeis not trapped in the trough 346. Instead, these materials are directedto the support surface and then under the dock 320 through the cut-outs359 to the exterior of the dock 320.

As in the prior embodiments, the cart dock 320 is preferably hassufficient length to engage both the front or both of the rear wheels ofa cart at the same time. In use, a user rolls the wheels of the cartover the first stop 326 and into the trough 346. The wheels of the cartare retained in the trough 346 between the first and second stops326,328. Generally, the wheels of the cart will rest upon the supportsurface while positioned in the trough 346. Movement of the wheels alongand out of the trough 346 at the ends of the dock 320 is prevented bythe side walls 358 a,b.

Depending upon the construction of the dock 320, a lip 361 is formedaround the aperture which forms a portion of the trough 346. Asillustrated, the void is generally rectangular in shape. The lip 361 isa ledge at the termination of the material forming the dock 320 and theaperture there through. The lip 361 defines at least a portion of theperimeter of the aperture. In one embodiment, such as illustrated, thelip 361 extends inwardly from the side walls 358 a,b and second stop 328defining a ledge or platform. The lip 361 serves to increase thestrength of the dock 320 and to prevent the bending and other movementof portions thereof relative to others. In addition, the lip 361 alsoserves as a small stop which inhibits movement of the wheels of a cartresting upon the support surface within the trough 346.

Another embodiment of a cart dock 420 in accordance with the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, the cart dock420 is generally symmetrically configured and is specifically adapted topermit the wheels of a cart to be rolled into engagement from eitherside of the cart dock 420. In other embodiments, the cart dock 420 maybe asymmetrical, but still provide this function.

In the embodiment illustrated, the cart dock 420 again comprises a bodyhaving a bottom surface 422 and a top surface 424. Having thesymmetrical design as illustrated, the cart dock 420 again includes afirst stop 426 and a second stop 428, but these stops are generallyidentical in shape. The first stop 426 has a front face 430 and a rearface 432. Similarly, the second stop 428 has a front face 429 and a rearface 431. In one embodiment, the front and rear faces 429,430,431, and432 of both the first stop 426 and the second stop 428 generally slopeat the same angle.

The front face 430 of the first stop 426 and the front face 429 of thesecond stop 428 again comprises a surface which slopes and/or anglesupwardly from a leading edge to an apex 436,437. This surface isdesigned to permit the wheels of a cart to be rolled upwardly along thesurface from the leading edge to the apex 436,437.

The rear face 432 of the first stop 426 and the rear face 431 of thesecond stop 428 slopes downwardly from the apex 436,437 to a trough 438.In this embodiment, the trough 438 is located between the two stops426,428.

In one embodiment, a pair of voids or apertures 440,441 are located inthe trough 438 between the two stops 426,428 of the cart dock 420. Inanother embodiment, there may be a single aperture or more than twoapertures. In the preferred embodiment, two apertures 440,441 areprovided since they advantageously correspond to a pair of wheels of acart which is docked to the cart dock 420.

The apertures 440,441 extend entirely through the cart dock 420 from thetop surface 424 to the bottom surface 422. It will be appreciated thatwhen the cart dock 420 is placed on a support surface, a terminus ofeach of the apertures 440,441 is defined by the support surface on whichthe cart dock 420 is positioned rather than a surface of the cart dockitself.

In one embodiment, side walls may extend upwardly from the trough 438between the first and second stops 426,428. These side walls may have avariety of shapes and functions, including connecting the first andsecond stops 426,428 and providing additional structural rigidity to thecart dock 420.

In a preferred embodiment, a recessed area 442 is provided in the frontface 430 of the first stop 426 and a recessed area 444 is provided inthe front face 429 of the second stop 428. The recessed areas 442,444comprise a slightly depressed area. In one embodiment, the recessedareas 442,444 are rectangular and adapted to receive a placard or thelike, such as for displaying information or advertising.

It will be appreciated that the use of this cart dock 420 is similar touse of the cart dock 20 in FIG. 1. This cart dock 420 is particularsuited to having the wheels of a cart secured by rolling the wheels overeither of the first or second stops 426,428 into engagement with thetrough 438. For example, the wheels of a cart may be rolled upwardlyalong the front face 430 of the first stop 426 and down into the trough438. In that position, the wheels of the cart are secured between thetwo stops 426,428, and in particular the rear faces 431,432 of thosestops. Likewise, the wheels of a cart may be rolled into a similarposition by rolling the wheels upwardly along the front face 429 of thesecond stop 428.

As indicated, in the illustrated embodiment, the slope of the front429,430 and the rear faces 431,432 of both the first and second stops426,428 is generally the same. In other embodiments, the slopes of thefront and rear faces may be different. For example, the rear faces431,432 may be steeper. Also, the slopes of the faces 429,430 of thefirst and second stops 426,428, as well as the heights of those stops donot necessary need to be the same. For example, if the cart dock 420 isto be used on a sloping surface, the height and steepness of the facesof the “downslope” stop may be increased.

As described above, the cart dock 420 is particularly suited for use asan advertising or informational platform. For example, as describedabove, advertising may be associated with the sloping face of the stopor stops of the cart dock. The advertising or other information may beprinted on a placard or similar element which is affixed to the cartdock.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the cart dock of theinvention may include a display. FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of acart dock 520 including a display system including an active display522.

The cart dock 520 illustrated in FIG. 16 is similar in overallconfiguration to the cart dock 320 described above. It will beappreciated that this aspect of the invention may be applied to any ofthe embodiments of cart docks specifically described herein or otherwisein accordance with the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the active display 522 is associated with afront face 528 of the cart dock 520. The active display 522 comprises ameans for displaying information. In a preferred embodiment the displayis “active” in that the information which is displayed may be readilychanged.

In a preferred embodiment, the active display 522 is an LCD display. Inone or more embodiments, the active display 522 may comprise plasma,LED, CRT or other types of displays now known or later developed. Itwill be appreciated that the particular type and configuration of thedisplay which is utilized is dependent in part upon its application,including the size and shape of the cart dock with which it isassociated. Preferably, the display 522 has a generally planar frontface or is located behind or beneath a clear or opaque member, so thatthe front face 528 of the cart dock 520 facilitates the rolling of thewheels of a cart thereover in the manner described in greater detailabove. At the same time, however, the display is preferably readilyvisible to a user or viewer of the cart dock 520.

In one embodiment, the display system of the cart dock 520 includesvarious components for controlling the operation of the active display522. FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a control system for theactive display 522. In the embodiment illustrated, the system includes acontroller 524, a power source 526, a motion detector 530 and atransmitter 532.

In a preferred embodiment, the controller 524 comprises a processor orsimilar element. The controller 524 may comprise hardware and/orsoftware. The processor provides a processing environment wherebyvarious outputs are generated in response to various inputs. In oneembodiment, the inputs may comprise a signal from the transmitter 532,motion detector 530, photocell 534 or other elements.

In general, the controller 524 is preferably configured to control theoperation of the activity display 522. The method and means of controlmay be by preprogrammed control strategy based upon various inputs anddesired outputs. The control strategy may be preprogrammed or, in oneembodiment, updated or implemented from a remote location.

In this regard, the controller 524 may include a memory for storingcontrol code. As indicated, however, the programming may be implementedas hardware.

In one embodiment, the various components of the system, including thedisplay 522, are powered by a power source 526. In one embodiment, thepower source 526 comprises a battery mounted to the cart dock 520.

In one embodiment, the photocell 534 comprises a means for detectingwhether the cart dock 520 is exposed to light or not. The photocell 534may be configured to provide one or more signals to the controller 524to indicate this condition. For example, the photocell 534 may providean output when it is exposed to light, while it provides no output whenit is not exposed to light. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the photocell 534is preferably mounted to the cart dock 520, such as at the front face528.

The controller 524 preferably utilizes the output from the photocell 534to control the active display 522. In one embodiment, the controller 524may turn the active display 522 off when the photocell 534 indicatesthat it is dark, thus conserving power. In one embodiment, the activedisplay 522 may be back-lit or comprise a type of display which isreadable without ambient light. In one embodiment, the controller 524may cause, for example, the active display 522 to be back-lit when it isdark, but cause the active display 522 to operate without back-lightingand conserve energy when it is light out.

In one embodiment, the motion detector 530 comprises a means for sensingthe movement of an object in the vicinity of the cart dock 520. Like thephotocell 534, the motion detector 530 may provide one or more outputsignals to the controller 524. In one embodiment, when the motiondetector 530 senses motion, it provides a signal to the controller 524.In response, the controller 524 may be configured to cause the activedisplay 522 to operate for a predetermined period of time. Once thatpredetermined period of time expires, the active display 522 may beturned off to conserve energy.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the motion detector 530 is mounted to thecart dock 520. In one embodiment, the motion detector 530 is located atthe front face 528 of the cart dock 520. The motion detector 530 may bemounted in other locations. Mounting at the front face 528 has theadvantage that the motion detector 530 senses motion associated with aperson's activity in front of the cart dock 520 where, if the display isactivated, the person will see the display.

In one embodiment, the transmitter/receiver 532 is configured to receiveinformation or data from a remote location and transmit information ordata to a remote location. In one embodiment, the transmitter/receiver532 comprises a wireless communication interface, such as oneimplementing an infrared or IEEE 802.11xx wireless communicationprotocol.

The transmitter/receiver 532 is mounted to the cart dock 520. Asillustrated, the transmitter/receiver 532 is located at the front face528 of the cart dock 520. The transmitter/receiver 532 may be located inother positions. The location may be chosen to provide the bestcommunication path to a remote base.

In one embodiment, though not illustrated, the transmitter/receiver 532is configured to receive information or data transmitted from a remotebase or station. In the case where the cart dock 520 is located in astore parking lot, the remote base or station may be located within thestore. In this configuration, a user of the remote base may send data,such as revised control instructions or particular information to bedisplayed by the active display 522, to the system. For example, theuser may enter specific advertising information and transmit thatinformation to the system. The controller 524 may process theinformation and then cause the active display 522 to display thatinformation. In this arrangement, an operator may easily change theinformation which is displayed.

The transmitter/receiver 532 may also send information or data to theremote base or station. For example, in the event of a low battery,malfunction or the like, a signal may be transmitted by thetransmitter/receiver 532 to the remote base or station. The operator maythen effect repairs.

The system may include a variety of other components or not include thecomponents described. For example, the system might include a smallsolar cell for charging the battery.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a cart dock and advertisingsystem. The system includes a plurality of cart docks along with atleast one base station. The base station may include a controller, suchas a computer, as well as a transmitter/receiver. The base station isconfigured to accept input from a user and transmit data, such asadvertising information, to the cart docks. In one embodiment, each cartdock may be provided with a unique identification code so thatinformation may be directed to a particular cart dock or group of cartdocks. Also, using the identifier, a signal transmitted from aparticular cart dock may be used to identify that cart dock, includingits location.

A unique aspect of the cart dock of the present invention is the abilityof the cart dock to be used as an advertising platform as well as auseful cart restraining device. As noted above, the cart docks areadapted to be located in parking lots and similar locations where theyare readily visible to customers. The cart docks are visible tocustomers parking their cars, walking through the parking lot orsecuring a cart. Because of the number of cart docks which may belocated in a single parking lot, the total advertising or informationexposure to these customers is tremendous.

As detailed above and illustrated in the figures, the cart dock of theinvention includes one or more surfaces particularly suited to placementof this information. In particular, the front face of the first stop ofthe cart dock has a substantial horizontal dimension for presenting text(whether imprinted directly thereon or associated with replaceableplacards or the like). Moreover, the angle of the front face of the stopis such that the face is directed upwardly and outwardly towards acustomer or other reader, and thus readily visible whether the customeris driving a car or walking.

Because of this unique feature of the invention, businesses employingthe cart dock not only address the problems associated with the cartsbut can provide information to their customers. This information, suchas advertising, can be used to generate a revenue stream or increase arevenue stream. For example, a business having cart docks located intheir parking lot may lease advertising space to other businesses, thusgenerating a new stream of revenue. A business may also advertise ontheir own cart docks, thus increasing the revenue generated by consumersat their own business.

Thus, as one aspect of the invention there is a method of advertisingcomprising locating a cart (or similar device) restraining structure inassociation with a support surface, such as a parking lot. The methodincludes locating advertising or other information on a surface of therestraining structure. In one or more embodiments, the advertising orother information may be periodically changed (such as by replacing aremovable placard or cover). In one embodiment, the method includes thestep of selling or leasing the advertising space.

In one embodiment, the advertising or other information may be presentedvia a display device, such as the active display 522 of the cart dock520 illustrated in FIG. 16. Advantages of such a display include theability to present different information at different cart docks, and tovary the information easily over time. As indicated, in one embodiment,an operator may transmit data from a remote base station to one or morecart docks and change or update the information which is displayed.Another advantage of these displays is that they may be readable in thedark or in other conditions where printed advertising is less visible.

Another embodiment of the invention will be described with reference toFIG. 18. As illustrated therein, a cart is configured to be moved on asupport surface 600. As described above, that surface 600 may be aparking lot. Of course, such surfaces may be constructed from a varietyof materials. Generally, the surface 600 is constructed from asphalt,concrete or a similar durable, continuous hard surface.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a depression 602 isformed in the surface 600. The depression 602 may have a variety ofconfigurations. In one embodiment, the depression 602 has a leading edge604. The depression 602 has a bottom surface 606. At the leading edge604, the bottom surface 606 is preferably at the same level or elevationas the surface 600. The depression 602 also has a rear edge or wall 608.The bottom surface 606 of the depression 602 at the rear edge or wall608 is preferably inset or depressed into the surface 600.

The depression 602 has a first side 610 and a second side 612.Preferably, the distance between the first and second sides 610,612 isgreater than the distance between a pair of wheels of a cart to belocated in the depression 602, permitting the wheels to roll into thedepression 602. Similarly, the distance from the leading edge 604 to therear edge or wall 606 is preferably great enough to accept at least aportion of a wheel of a cart therein.

In the embodiment illustrated, the bottom surface 606 of the depression602 slopes at a generally constant rate from the leading edge 604 to therear edge or wall 608. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 606 slopesso that the depth of the bottom surface 606 from the surface 600 isapproximately 2–4 inches. The depth may be a greater or lesser amount,however, depending on a variety of factors.

As illustrated, in a preferred embodiment, an advertising platform 620is preferably located in the depression 602. In one embodiment theadvertising platform 620 is a generally planar support member having atop surface 622 configured to display advertising 624. The member maybe, for example, a generally thin plastic plate. The advertisingplatform 620 is preferably connected to the bottom surface 606, such aswith adhesive.

The advertising platform 620 and/or the advertising 624 may vary in sizeand shape. In one embodiment, the advertising platform 620 extends fromapproximately the first side 610 to the second side 612 of thedepression 602, and over a substantial portion of the bottom surface 606from the leading edge 604 to the rear edge or wall 608.

In use, one or more, and preferably two (such as the pair of front orrear) wheels 626 of a cart are rolled into the depression 604. In thisposition, the cart is secured, as the wheels 626 are contained in thedepression 604.

This embodiment of the invention has numerous advantages. In areas wheresnowfall is frequent, snow plows may be used to clear the surface 600 ofsnow. This embodiment cart dock does not interfere with these snow plows(such as the blades or augers thereof), because the cart dock is locatedbelow the top of the surface 600.

In the configuration illustrated, the depression 604 has a smoothsloping bottom surface 606, making it easy to roll the wheels of thecart into and out of the depression 606. In addition, in the preferredembodiment, the cart dock still serves as an advertising platform, withthe user of the dock being exposed to advertising when they engage ordisengage a cart from the depression comprising the dock.

It will be appreciated that the dock could have other configurations.For example, the depression could have a generally “U”-shaped bottomsurface (i.e. having the same shape as the bottom of the wheels of thecart). In this configuration, both the leading and second or rear edgescould be at the same level as the surface, with a central orintermediate portion of the bottom surface inset into the surface.

The edges of the depression could also all be inset into the surface(instead of sloping from one or more edges, such as the leading edge).More than one depression could be provided. For example, two spaceddepressions could be provided, one for each of the spaced front or rearwheels of a cart. The depression could include deeper side areas for thecart wheels and a higher (but still depressed) central section uponwhich the advertising is located.

In one embodiment, the depression may be much larger and be configuredto accommodate one of the other cart docks of the invention (such ascart docks 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 or 520 described above, with orwithout other features disclosed herein, including the advertisingplatform (722) described below). In such embodiment, the depression ispreferably sufficiently large that the cart dock structure may belocated in the depression below the surface 600. In use, the wheel orwheels of the cart would be rolled into the depression and intoengagement with the cart dock structure located therein (such as intothe trough of one of the above-described structures.

Yet another aspect of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20.As described above, in one embodiment, cart docks may be associated withparking spaces in a parking lot or may be otherwise oriented. Commonly,parking spaces are located on either side of a dividing line. In suchinstance, a cart dock may be provided for each parking space, the cartdocks generally located in opposing positions on each side of thedividing line.

In this configuration, cart dock structures may be located in closeproximity to one another in back-to-back orientation. Such aconfiguration is illustrated in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 illustrated oneembodiment where a first cart dock 720 a and a second cart dock 720 bare located in back-to-back orientation. In this embodiment, the cartdocks 720 a,b have a configuration such as that illustrated in FIGS.13–14 and described above, though they may have other configurations inaccordance with the invention as described herein.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an advertisingplatform 722 is configured to be located between the cart docks 720 a,b.In a preferred embodiment, the advertising platform 722 spans the spacebetween the cart docks 720 a,b and is supported by the cart docks 720a,b.

The advertising platform 722 may have a variety of shapes and sizes. Inone embodiment, the platform 722 has approximately the same width as thecart docks 720 a,b. In one embodiment, the platform 722 is about 12–20inches in depth (i.e. corresponding to the distance between the docks),but it may have a greater or lesser dimension.

The advertising platform 722 preferably has a top surface 724 which isconfigured to display advertising. The advertising may be printed on thetop surface 724, molded into the surface, or applied to the surface inother ways, such as by affixing a printed body or sticker. The platform722 could also include a display, such as described above andillustrated in FIG. 16.

At least a portion of the top surface 724 is preferably generallyplanar. In the embodiment illustrated, the top surface 724 is acontinuous planar surface which extends generally parallel to a surface(e.g., a parking lot surface or the like) to which the cart docks 720a,b are mounted. The top surface 724 could have various levels orportions, and may oriented other than parallel to the support surface.For example, the top surface 724 could have generally planar first facewhich faces the first cart dock 720 a and a generally planar second facewhich faces the second dock 720 b. In this configuration, the first andsecond faces of the top surface 722 may positioned at an upwardlysloping angle to the surface (the faces meeting at a generally centralridge, in similar fashion to the first stop 326 of the cart dock 320illustrated in FIG. 13). The top surface 724 could also be curved orarch-shaped.

As described, in a preferred embodiment, the platform 722 is preferablyconfigured to be connected to the cart docks 720 a,b. In one embodiment,the platform 722 has a first, a second, a third, and a fourth wall 726a,b,c,d extending downwardly from the top surface 722 at the edgesthereof. In one embodiment, these walls 726 a,b,c,d extend downwardlyfrom the top surface 722 generally perpendicular thereto.

Referring to FIG. 20, in the embodiment cart docks 720 a,b illustrated,the docks 720 a,b have a second stop 728. As illustrated, platform 722is configured so it extends over the second stop 728 of each dock 720a,b. In one embodiment, the second and fourth walls 726 b,d of theplatform 722 are located at the interior of the docks 720 a,b.

Preferably, the platform 722 is mounted so that its top surface 724 isat generally the same height at the second stops 728 of the cart docks720 a,b. In one embodiment, the walls 726 a,b,c,d each extend downwardlyfrom the top surface 724 by approximately the same height at the heightof the stops 728, whereby the bottom edges or surfaces of the walls 726a,b,c,d (or at least a portion thereof) will rest upon the supportingsurface. Of course, the platform 724 could be much taller to comprise araised advertising platform.

In order for the platform 722 to “overlap” with the stops 728 of thecart docks 720 a,b, the second and fourth walls 726 b,d have a cut-outthrough which the upwardly extending stops 728 of the dockets 720 a,bmay pass or extend. Of course, the platform 722 may have a variety ofother configurations for engaging one or more cart docks 720 a,b. Theconfiguration may vary, at least in part, depending on the configurationof the cart dock or docks which the platform 722 is to be connected.

It is preferred that the platform be removable from the cart docks. Theplatform may be connected with fasteners to ensure that the platformdoes not unintendedly become disconnected from its supporting docks. Theplatform could be molded with one or more docks, however, and beintegral therewith.

As illustrated, one or more ribs or legs 730 may extend downwardly atthe interior of the platform 722 to provide support for the top surface724 thereof. For example, in a parking lot environment, people may stepupon the platform 722. So that the platform 722 does not collapse, theone or more ribs or legs 730 preferably aid in supporting the topsurface 724.

Of course, a wide variety of other configurations of the platform arecontemplated. For example, the platform could be configured to belocated between (and not engage or be directly supported by) a pair ofcart docks or simply extend from or connect to one cart dock.

Once again, advertising or other content is preferably displayed on orat the platform 722. Information, such as text, may be printed upon theplatform. Stickers, labels or other printed materials may be connectedto the top surface 724 of the platform. Of course, a display devicecould be connected to or supported by the platform. For example, an LCDtype display as described above could be integrated into the platformand be used to display information.

Use and operation of the cart docks are as described above. In thisembodiment, however, the platform provides an information bearingsurface which is visible to the users of the dock(s), both generally andwhen a user is placing a cart in or removing a cart from an associateddock. When considering a parking lot having multiple cart docks andassociated platforms, the platforms represent a significant surface areaupon which advertising or other information may be displayed.

The advertising or information bearing aspects of the invention,including the various faces or surfaces of the embodiments of the cartdocks and the advertising platform as just described, are significant.The ability to associate advertising with the invention allows theinvention to be a revenue generating platform at the same time asaddressing the cart retaining issues described above.

FIG. 19 also illustrates an additional aspect of the invention. Asillustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cart docks 720 a, b includes arecess 731 in a front face 730 of a first stop 328. As described above,advertising or other information may be displayed in that location.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the advertising or other information may besupported by an advertising insert 750. The insert 750 preferablycomprises a supporting member for displaying the advertising or otherinformation through the recess 731. In one embodiment, a side portion ofthe first stop is open, allowing the insert 750 to be slid in and outfrom under the first stop. As illustrated, the insert 750 may includemeans for inserting and removing it from the cart dock, such as acut-out for gripping the insert 750.

The insert 750 has a top surface which is preferably aligned with therecess 731 when the insert 750 is located under the front stop. In oneembodiment, the insert 750 has generally the same shape as the frontstop, but is smaller, so as to fit under the first stop. In thisconfiguration, the insert 750 has a front face which extends at the sameangle as the recess 731.

The insert 750 may be constructed of a wide variety of materials. In oneembodiment, the insert 750 is constructed from plastic. As indicatedabove, advertising or other information may be associated with theinsert.

The insert 750 has a number of advantages. As described above, it may bedesirable to affix the cart dock to the surface. The ability of user toremove the insert 750 allows the user to change the advertising or otherinformation while the cart dock remains affixed to the ground.

Of course, a variety of the features of any of the cart docks20,120,220,320,420,520 may be employed with the other, producing a widevariety of configurations thereof.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatusand the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention and many other embodiments andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims.

I claim:
 1. A cart dock for displaying advertising and capable ofsecuring pairs of wheels of two or more carts comprising: a first cartsecuring structure, said first cart securing structure having a firstraised stop and a second raised stop, said first raised stop and secondraised stop of said first card securing structure spaced from oneanother by a trough, said trough having a width between said firstraised stop and second raised stop of said first cart securingstructure, said trough having a length exceeding its width, whereby saidtrough is configured to simultaneously accept a pair of spaced-apartwheels of a cart, said first raised stop of said first cart securingstructure having a front face; a second cart securing structure, saidsecond cart securing structure including a first raised stop and asecond raised stop, said first raised stop and second raised stop ofsaid second cart securing structure spaced from one another by a trough,said trough of said second cart securing structure having a widthbetween said first raised stop and second raised stop of said secondcart securing structure, said trough of said second cart securingstructure having a length exceedin its width, whereby said trough ofsaid second cart securing structure is configured to simultaneouslyaccept a pair of spaced-apart wheels of a cart, said first raised stopof said second cart securing structure having a front face; said firstand second cart securing structures spaced from one another and orientedsuch that the front face of said first raised stop of said first cartsecuring structure faces generally in an opposing direction from saidfront face of said first raised stop of said second cart securingstructure; and an advertising platform positioned between and engagingsaid first and second cart securing structures, whereby when a cart isengaged with said first cart securing structure said cart is moved in afirst direction towards said advertising platform into engagement withsaid first raised stop of said first cart securing structure, over saidfirst raised stop of said first cart securing structure and into saidtrough of said first cart securing structure, and whereby when a cart isengaged with said second cart securing structure said cart is moved in asecond direction towards said advertising platform, said seconddirection being generally opposite said first direction, and intoengagement with said first raised stop of said second cart securingstructure, over said first raised stop of said second cart securingstructure and into said trough of said second cart securing structure.2. The cart dock in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cart dock isconfigured to be supported upon a support surface and wherein a topsurface of said advertising platform is elevated above said supportsurface when said cart dock is placed on said support surface.
 3. Thecart dock in accordance with claim 2 wherein said advertising platformhas a top surface and at least two downwardly extending walls elevatingsaid top surface.
 4. The cart dock in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid platform is detachably connected to said first and second cartsecuring structures.
 5. The cart dock in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid front face of said first raised stop of said first cart securingstructure defines an insert configured to receive advertising.
 6. Thecart dock in accordance with claim 1 wherein said front face of saidfirst raised stop of said second cart securing structure defines aninsert configured to receive advertising.
 7. The cart dock in accordancewith claim 1 wherein at least one opening is formed in said trough ofsaid first cart securing structure and at least one opening is formed insaid trough of said second cart securing structure.
 8. The cart dock inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said platform has a top surface and atleast a pair of spaced downwardly extending walls, said walls configuredto be placed over said second stops of said first and second cartsecuring structures to detachably connect said platform to said firstand second cart securing structures.
 9. A cart dock for displayingadvertising and capable of securing pairs of wheels of two or more cartscomprising: an advertising platform having a first end and a second end,said first and second ends located generally opposite one another; afirst cart securing structure located at said first end of saidadvertising platform, said first cart securing structure including afirst raised stop and cooperating with said platform to define a secondraised stop and wherein a trough is defined between said first raisedstop and said second raised stop of said first cart securing platform;and a second cart securing structure located at said second end of saidadvertising platform, said second cart securing structure including afirst raised stop and cooperating with said platform to define a secondraised stop and wherein a trough is defined between said first raisedstop and said second raised stop of said second cart securing platform.10. The cart dock in accordance with claim 9 wherein said first end ofsaid advertising platform engages said first cart securing structure todefine said second stop thereof and said second end of said advertisingplatform engages said second cart securing structure to define saidsecond stop thereof.
 11. The cart dock in accordance with claim 9wherein said trough of said first cart securing structure is elongate inrelation to a width between said first and second stops thereof for atthe same time receiving both the spaced front or rear wheels of a cartand wherein said trough of said second cart securing structure iselongate in relation to a width between said first and second stopsthereof for at the same time receiving both the spaced front or rearwheels of a cart.
 12. The cart dock in accordance with claim 9 whereinsaid first and second ends of said advertising platform comprisedownwardly extending walls, said walls extending over upwardly extendingportions of said first and second cart securing structures.
 13. The cartdock in accordance with claim 9 wherein said first raised stop of saidfirst cart securing structure has a sloping front face over which thewheels of a cart may be rolled into engagement with said trough of saidfirst cart securing structure and said first raised stop of said secondcart securing structure has a sloping front face over which the wheelsof a cart may be rolled into engagement with said trough of said secondcart securing structure.
 14. The cart dock in accordance with claim 9wherein said first cart securing structure has a first side and a secondside, said trough and first raised stop of said first cart securingstructure extend generally transverse to said first and second sides ofsaid cart securing structure, wherein said second cart securingstructure has a first side and a second side, said trough and firstraised stop of said second cart securing structure extend generallytransverse to said first and second sides of said second cart securingstructure, and wherein said first side of said first cart securingstructure is generally aligned with said first side of said second cartsecuring structure and said second side of said first cart securingstructure is generally aligned with said second side of said second cartsecuring structure.
 15. The cart dock in accordance with claim 14wherein said advertising platform has a width which is coextensive witha distance between said first and second sides of said first and secondcart securing structures.
 16. The cart dock in accordance with claim 14wherein a side wall extends upwardly at a first end and a second end ofsaid trough of said first cart securing structure at said first andsecond sides of said cart securing structure and a side wall extendsupwardly at a first end and a second end of said trough of said secondcart securing structure at said first and second sides of said secondcart securing structure.